Shaun Murphy rushes to Kyren Wilson’s defence after row over snooker star’s celebration

Kyren Wilson was criticised by some for his behaviour in his first-round win over Stan Moody at the World Snooker Championship

Shaun Murphy has come to the defence of fellow snooker star Kyren Wilson amid a row over the latter’s celebrations. Wilson, who claimed the World Snooker Championship title in 2024, faced a nervous moment in his opening match against Stan Moody at the Crucible this year but Murphy has played down a moment which attracted criticism.

Teenage sensation Moody grabbed an early advantage over Wilson, only for the more seasoned professional to fight back and secure a 10-7 victory. Some fans took issue with Wilson for celebrating before shaking his opponent’s hand, but Murphy, who clinched his own world title back in 2005, insisted there was nothing untoward about it.

“Do you know, I think when you’re overcome with emotion, even if you don’t shake [hands], it’s not meant in malice. There’s no malice behind it,” Murphy said following his own first-round triumph over Fan Zhangyi.

“I’ve known Kyren since he was a boy, there would be no malice meant behind it. He’s just won a match from 6-2 behind in the first round. He’s entitled to celebrate. I don’t think he will have meant anything by it.”

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Wilson’s conduct sparked fierce debate on social media. “I understand it was a tough win with a lot of nerves, but to celebrate like that against a teenager… Really?” one wrote.

“Why celebrate like that on the first round! Awful sportsmanship against a good player in Moody!” was the verdict from another.

Plenty defended Wilson, though, with one commenting: “People complain that snooker players now are robots and show no emotion, but when a player shows any kind of emotion they are immediately labelled as the worst person in the world… What is it that people want? Genuinely confused.”

Wilson, for his part, praised Moody in his post-match interview and described the 19-year-old as a credit to the younger generation. “My kids know his name – he is inspiring them and they are going to the same junior tournaments he was playing in,” the 2024 world champion said.

The opening round of this year’s worlds has witnessed 15 of the 16 seeds progress successfully. The sole exception occurred in the clash between Si Jiahui and Hossein Vafaei, where Iranian qualifier Vafaei shocked his Chinese rival with a commanding 10-3 triumph.

Prior to the tournament, Vafaei discussed the emotional burden of the continuing unrest in his homeland. “It’s been very hard, very, very hard,” the 31-year-old said.

“My family are safe. I’m fighting as well for my country, for my family and I’m trying my best and will give it my all.”

Addressing how the news back home has impacted his game, Vafaei added: “You get a bad text in the day and you can’t focus on your job. How can I focus?” said Vafaei.

“No-one knows how tough it is but hopefully it will be over soon, then the safety comes back to my country.”